Online pokies are one of the most popular forms of online gambling in New Zealand, but they’re also associated with a lot of confusion, misconceptions, and, sometimes, outright myths! Some players, for example, assume all online pokies are rigged, while others automatically think they’re safer than land-based pokies, simply because they’re digital.
The truth? As usual, it sits somewhere in the middle, and today, we’re going to be breaking down what actually makes online pokies safe (or unsafe), how regulation really works, and what players in New Zealand should watch out for before spinning the reels.
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When people ask whether online pokies are safe, they’re usually talking about one of the following things:
Now, a safe online pokie experience doesn’t mean you’ll win; gambling always involves risk, no matter where you play! What a safe online pokie does offer, however, is fair game mechanics, transparent odds, and built-in player protection tools. Understanding this is key to separating legitimate concerns from common myths, and below, we’ll look at a few of the biggest misconceptions.
This is easily the most common belief, and it’s, by far, also the most misunderstood part of online pokies. Any reputable slot machine online (one that’s certified) operates using a random number generator (RNG). A random number generator produces thousands of number combinations every second, and the outcome of a spin is decided as soon as you press the spin button.
Many players incorrectly assume that the result is decided when the reels stop, or that the pokie’s payouts are determined based on previous results. Thankfully, all licensed casinos are only allowed to offer certified pokies that have had their RNGs tested by third-party auditors.
These testers ensure that all results are random, unbiased, and that the game matches the advertised return to player (RTP) percentage. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to play at a licensed and reputable casino site.
Online pokies feel different, but they’re not automatically more dangerous. In fact, online slots typically offer far better payout percentages than those in land-based casinos and arcades.
The main issue here is that players think that because they can’t see anything – the pokie operates through an online casino – that the casino can easily just “rig” the game.” This is untrue, as myth #1 cleared up.
In reality, online pokies allow you to:
So, the main risk actually comes from accessibility, and not fairness. Why? Because online pokies are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and this means that players who struggle with impulse control can easily lose track of time or spending, if they don’t set (and stick to) limits.
Some players believe casinos adjust results if you’re winning too often, betting larger amounts of money, or consistently making larger withdrawals. Thankfully, when you play at regulated casinos, this simply isn’t possible.
Games using random number generators (which all online pokies do) cannot “target” individual players, they can’t change the odds in the middle of a session, and they can’t “punish” certain behaviour, like winning a lot.
What can happen is variance – the natural ups and downs of playing slots. Sure, long losing streaks can feel personal, but they’re simply a mathematical reality of playing high variance games!
One of the biggest misunderstandings around online pokies is the belief that casinos themselves control when a game wins or loses. In reality, reputable online casinos do not have the ability to change outcomes, tweak payout rates, or influence results based on individual players.
Independent software providers build and supply online poker, not by the casinos hosting them. Some of the big names include Nolimit City, Hacksaw Gaming, Blueprint Gaming, Big Time Gaming (BTG), NetEnt, and Betsoft.
Once a game is certified and approved, its random number generator, payout percentages, and RTP settings are locked in. The casino can choose which games to offer, but it cannot interfere with how those games behave.
Note: Casinos can, however, decide which RTP version of a game to offer. Some software providers offer their online pokies in multiple payout configurations, and casinos can choose to offer lower-paying ones if they decide.
New Zealand does not currently issue domestic online casino licences. However, the Government is progressing the Online Casino Gambling Bill, with DIA preparing a licensing system that aims to begin issuing NZ online casino licenses in December 2026.
For now, however, most reputable online casinos accepting players from NZ operate under international licenses, from jurisdictions like:
The benefit of playing at a properly-licensed online casino is that games are required to be certified as fair. Most regulators also require sites to adhere to standards like separating player funds from operating funds, using secure encryption for payments and data, and honoring withdrawal requests within a reasonable timeframe.
If a casino has no visible licence, no regulatory body, or vague terms around its payouts, that’s a major red flag; regardless of how attractive the bonuses and promotions look.
Yes – online pokies can be safe, but only when played at licensed casinos, with a clear understanding of how the games work. Slots are not rigged by default, they do not secretly “target” players, and, a lot of the time, they’re even more transparent than physical machines!
However, this only applies if you’re playing at safe, regulated, and trustworthy casinos. Un-licensed sites do still exist, and in these cases, they may well offer games that aren’t truly fair.
This is why it’s so important to only ever play at safe, trustworthy, and licensed casinos. All sites you see recommended here at DashTickets, or over at ReadWrite, for example, have all been tested and thoroughly reviewed to ensure they’re safe for Kiwis!
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